Xavi: “Being knocked out of the Champions League was the biggest blow”

Xavi spoke ahead of Sunday’s trip to Almería. Apart from that game, the coach also confessed that Thursday’s defeat to Manchester United was a hard to take but not the biggest disappointment that Barça have endured this season.

How will you be approaching Sunday’s match?

We can’t get into Rubi’s head. You have two alternatives: play with four defenders or with five. It is going to be difficult for us. At home they have been playing well and have built up a lot of points. After losing in Girona (6-2), I think they will focus on keeping it tight at the back. We have to be dominant. It will require patience and calm

Will Thursday’s defeat affect you - plus the fact the next game is the Clásico and also on a Thursday?

We have to learn from those matches. We can’t keep an eye on Thursday, even if it’s a Cup Clásico. We have to be focused on competing tomorrow. You have to focus 200% on the League and Cup.

How is Dembélé?

He’s fine. He’s working with the fitness coaches. We don’t want him to overexert himself and suffer a relapse. His return will depend on how he feels. He is feeling ok, which is the most important thing.

Now that Barca are out of Europe, is winning LaLiga more important?

It will be a great season if we win it. It depends on ourselves and now we have to face a difficult rival in the Copa del Rey. If we win LaLiga and the Super Cup, it will be a good season.

Any updates on Araújo and Ansu?

Araujo is ready and Ansu picked up bruising in training, but tomorrow he won’t be available to play.

Do you think the squad lacks depth?

The objective is to have a competitive squad, with alternatives. This season we have a good squad, but we have to strengthen it in every transfer window for it to be competitive.

How is the mood in the squad after being dumped out of the Europa League, what was said in your conversation with Laporta after the defeat at Old Trafford?

The message is that we carry on. The biggest disappointment we have suffered this season is being knocked out of the Champions League. That hurts, but we have LaLiga and the Copa del Rey. For us, it’s essential that we end the season well. We have to compete in LaLiga and the Copa. We have to keep winning trophies. We hate losing, but we have to continue competing. And yesterday, the sun came out again.

How is Lewandowski, have you spoken to him?

I haven’t spoken to any player in particular. I thought we prepared well for the game, but that’s football. Lewandowski has returned to show excellent form again. The players are frustrated about being eliminated. He knows that this is a medium to long-term project. We have made changes since last season. We are more competitive now and can win trophies. He has seen that we can play against the top sides. Now we have to focus on winning LaLiga and the Cup.

How do you see his role out on the pitch?

He’s more involved, but we have to seek him out more. Robert is the one who needs that the most.

Could being out of Europe have a negative effect on the players?

We’ll to make sure it doesn’t. We have to think about LaLiga, we’re in a good dynamic. We haven’t lost a game since the Bernabéu and tomorrow we have a difficult game. We have to change our mindset.

How have you taken the criticism?

I haven’t read anything. It wouldn’t change anything as far as I am concerned. If we had gone through, playing the exactly how we played, people would be saying Barça are back in Europe. I thought we put in a great game but it’s our turn to suffer defeat. Barça gave a good account. We don’t dwell on the criticism. We have to work to turn things around.

What did you make of Garnacho’s celebration?

That’s a difficult question to answer. When a player is overcome with joy, all of the anger and injustice comes out. Everyone expresses themselves depending on how they feel. He lacked a little empathy. I think it’s better to celebrate with your own team mates rather than by provoking the rivals.